MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 8, 2018 – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is once again teaming up with NBA Cares for Hoops for St. Jude Week™ March 11 – 17 to raise awareness and support for the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Each year NBA players, coaches, broadcasters and fans rally behind St. Jude, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Regardless of the final score, the kids of St. Jude get the “W” during Hoops for St. Jude Week, when NBA teams and players shine a light on the work and successes of St. Jude through online, social media and in-game promotions, in addition to hosting local patients in-arena. St. Jude NBA ambassadors, who make regular visits to the hospital, will encourage fans to join the fight to save the lives of children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
2018 Hoops for St. Jude Week Ambassadors:
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Coach Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks
“We are deeply appreciative of the year-round support of the NBA Family, fans and our ambassadors,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Hoops for St. Jude Week provides a national platform to celebrate their efforts and further highlight how we are truly making a difference in the lives of kids everywhere.”
The NBA’s support stretches beyond Hoops for St. Jude Week, with player and team visits throughout the year that never fail to brighten the days of St. Jude patients. Just this season, the hospital has hosted on-site and in-arena visits by players, coaches, broadcasters, owners and staff from the New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors. NBA G League teams, the Texas Legends and Memphis Hustle, also visited the hospital this season.
Thanks to support generated through campaigns like Hoops for St. Jude Week, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
For more information, visit stjude.org/hoops, follow at facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.